High Court to Try Former Soccer Federation Chief for Sexual Assault
In a significant development, the High Court has announced that it will proceed with the trial of Luis Rubiales, the former head of the Spanish soccer federation, over allegations of sexual assault and coercion. The charges stem from an incident involving an
Rubiales is accused of forcibly kissing Hermoso on the lips during a ceremony celebrating Spain’s victory in the women’s World Cup in Sydney. The event, which occurred on August 20, has since sparked widespread discussion and controversy. While Rubiales maintains that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso and her teammates have publicly stated that it was both unwanted and demeaning.
The case has attracted further scrutiny as it also involves other high-profile figures within the Spanish soccer establishment. Jorge Vilda, the former coach of the women’s national team; Albert Luque, the current sporting director; and Ruben Rivera, head of marketing, are all accused of pressuring Hermoso to declare the
The court has set bail at 65,000 euros for Rubiales on the sexual assault charge. Additionally, a joint bail of the same amount has been imposed on Rubiales, Vilda, Luque, and Rivera for the coercion allegations. The High Court’s involvement is due to the international nature of the incident, as it took place in Australia.
If convicted, Rubiales could face up to one year in prison for sexual assault and up to 18 months for coercion. The case continues to be a focal point in discussions about sexism and professional conduct in sports.
